Breadcrumbs
Polymers to the Rescue!
- Grades 5-6
- CTY-Level
-
LIVE
- Science and Engineering
What do your T-shirt, water bottle, and DNA have in common? They’re all made of chemical units called monomers, which combine to form polymers. To make the world a better place, scientists regularly modify and improve polymers—that’s how we have things like non-stick pans, raincoats, and toothbrushes.
In this introductory chemistry course, examine the structural features of polymers to understand their properties and behaviors. Analyze natural polymers, human-engineered polymers, and biopolymers, culminating in an independent research activity about the potential of polymers in our society.
Fall and Spring Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week (1-hour of class time, 3-4 hours of independent work).
Summer Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week (3-hours of class time, 9-12 hours of independent work).
This course is
ungraded.
Classes
Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY
This course is not open for enrollment at this time. Please check back later.
Testing and Prerequisites
Math | Verbal | |
---|---|---|
Required Level | CTY-Level | Not required |
Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.
Sign up for Testing Learn MoreCost and Financial Aid
Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)
Financial Aid
We have concluded our financial aid application review process for Academic Year 2023-2024 Online Programs (Courses with start dates July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). Our application for Academic Year 2024-2025 Online Programs is expected to open in January. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.
Course Materials
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
- Multi-colored gumdrops (2 packs)
- Jelly beans or colored marshmallows can substitute
- Toothpicks (1 box)
- White Cotton t-shirt
- Tie-Dye kit
- White Vinegar
- Milk (non-skim)
- Gelatin
- Agar as a vegetarian/kosher/halal substitute
- Fruit juice
Students will be placed into one of two groups after the class begins. Each group will have different supplies for their activities. Please wait until the class has begun to purchase supplies for your group.
Group 1:
- Cornstarch
- Cooking Oil
- Cream of Tartar
- Flour
- Salt
- Liquid Latex (1 oz)
Group 2:
- Borax
- Liquid Glue (2 bottles)
- Talcum Powder
- Guar or Xanthan Gum
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.
This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.
About Science and Engineering at CTY
Our Science and Engineering courses bring a variety of science topics to life. By introducing topics not covered in standard science curricula, we build and reinforce your science knowledge. All courses support critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning, and encourage a real-life, hands-on approach to learning about Earth, space, life sciences, chemistry, and the physical world. Guided by expert CTY science educators, you’ll master science lab kits, perform hands-on experiments using common household objects, participate in dynamic group discussions, or prepare for AP exams.
Newly revised Honors Physics course
Our completely redesigned Honors Physics course features new lessons, conceptual and problem-solving videos, and guiding questions that teach students how to solve each type of problem. Hands-on exploration activities challenge students to solve everyday physics problems from how giant cruise ships stay afloat to how to ship fragile packages without them breaking. Putting their physics knowledge to the test, students compete in our catapult design competition for Furthest Launch and Creative Design awards.
More engaging science enrichment courses!
In the newly revised Inventions in Engineering course, students bring fantasy into reality by creating inventions to solve the problems of favorite fictional characters and the real world alike. A new unit in Introduction to Forensics asks students to evaluate the validity of various kinds of forensic evidence and its impact on the lives of individuals, and to provide recommendations on which types of forensic evidence should be admissible in the criminal justice system. In Household Chemistry, students engage in newly revised activities that help develop their skills in making and recording detailed observations using all 5 senses as they explore states of matter and the role chemistry plays in their daily lives.